Statement on Recent Hepatitis A Cases in San Diego

Recently, San Diego has seen a rise in the number of cases of Hepatitis A. The health and safety of visitors to San Diego is the highest priority for the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), our partners and the local tourism industry. As such, the San Diego Tourism Authority is committed to providing travelers with current, accurate information about traveling to the region safely.

The current Hepatitis A outbreak has primarily affected San Diego’s homeless populations and/or illicit drug users. The County of San Diego and City of San Diego are currently taking steps to mitigate the spread of the illness, and the SDTA has confidence in the response efforts of our local authorities to combat the spread of this and any other infections.

Handwashing stations are being added near homeless encampments. The City of San Diego has begun sanitizing streets and will be keeping public restrooms in high traffic areas open 24 hours a day. Three new homeless shelter facilities are planned to provide high-risk populations access to clean, safe housing and washing facilities. The County of San Diego has been increasing efforts to vaccinate target populations as well as those who come in contact with them.

Good hygiene such as thorough hand washing or using hand sanitizer should always be practiced while traveling. Vaccines are available to prevent Hepatitis A as well.